Thursday, September 11, 2008

I Need A "Frequent Weird Health Problems" Punch Card

Throw me a frickin' bone here, mother nature. Two weeks following my miscarriage, I now apparently have either a sinus infection, mono, or West Nile fever. My symptoms are presenting much more like the latter two (extreme neck pain and stiffness, headache/dizziness, body aches, low grade fever, nausea, fatigue,) but when I finally drug myself to the doctor today, she said that I also have lots of fluid behind my ears, which could explain the dizziness, and that my sinus tissues are really inflamed. Also, apparently there is "drainage" going on in my throat, which could explain the nausea. She then pointed out how puffy my eye area was, and was appropriately embarassed when I informed her that my eyes ALWAYS look like that, thanks very much. Note to self: start being a little more religious with the Lancome night cream.

So I have a prescription for amoxocillin in the hopes that its a sinus infection here, but if I don't feel better by Monday I have to go get blood work done to test for mono.

The only silver lining in all this (besides the five pounds I've dropped) is that I had a bunch of Vicodin left over from the surgery, and it has been saving my life the last few days. My neck ache is so intense that ibuprofin wears off after about an hour, whereas the Vicodin sticks with me for at least three or four. The downside, of course, is that I feel like a sleepy, drugged up zombie most of the time, that the drug intensifies my nausea, and that I can't drive anywhere if I take it. But still. The pain relief is worth it. And yes, I admitted to the doctor that I've been taking it, and she said it was fine. Which is a relief, as I was beginning to feel slightly worried that I was turning into one of those suburban moms hooked on pain killers and vodka tonics.

I have to say, I really like the practice we go to for general health care stuff. All the doctors are so nice and down to earth, and very honest, though sometimes depressingly so (example: the doctor today said that it could very well be West Nile fever, as it has been found in our area recently, but that if it is, there is literally nothing they could do for me short of hospitalization. But she did pat my knee sympathetically as she said it.) Also, Addy loves it there, what with the (no doubt germ covered) play area and the fascinating digital scale and the jar full of dum-dums. She pranced around me today while I waited on the exam table, explaining excitedly, "It's YOUR turn at the doctor, Mommy, ok? Today it's YOUR turn, right? It's MOMMY'S turn!"

Indeed. I think it's been Mommy's turn in the doctor's office way too often lately. LET ME OUT!

13 comments:

Jess said...

This is just not fair! I hope that it is just a sinus infection, and that the meds make it clear up right away. Fingers crossed!

d e v a n said...

Goodness! You deserve a break my dear. I hope those meds clear you up right away and that's the end of your sickies.

clueless but hopeful mama said...

Oh you poor girl. I'm so sorry. I hope you feel better soon.

And I hope you took a dum-dum for yourself on the way out.

Kelsey said...

You do need a break! I hope you're feeling better soon. We have crud going around in our house and it hasn't hit the adults yet. . . fingers crosses. I'm glad you have some good drugs, hopefully you are able to sleep a big, at least at night.

At least you're happy with your doctor(s), it is so awful to be sick and not want to see the doctor because you don't like him/her.

Katy said...

I hate to be a complete freak, but did your doctor consider meningitis? Sorry if I'm being a weirdo, but all I've ever heard is that neck pain could be meningitis! Ok, I'm probably freaking out for no reason. Here's hoping this crap leaves you soon!

Mommy Daisy said...

I feel so bad for you. Before I read this I'd been thinking about calling and seeing if you wanted to do something together with the kids today. But I won't since you're not feeling great, well, that and it's going to rain ALL day today. Maybe some other time.

Let me know if you need help with something, it can't be fun taking care of kids while not feeling well. And I hope that you're feeling better soon.

Shannon said...

Ugh, hopefully you recover soon. Bleh.

Jill said...

I'm no doctor but I play on one the internet and I don't think you have mono. I had it in college and don't remember any neck pain. I had extrememly swollen glands and couldn't stay awake for more than 3 or 4 hours, but no neck or throat pain.
Ah, you're totally going to post next week that you have mono, aren't you?
Feel better! My friend's dad religiously recommends hot and sour soup for any sort of illness and oddly enough it really does seem to help.
Crap, now I want Chinese food.

Sarah said...

Jill- Yeah, I don't think I have mono either. Everything online said you have a really sore throat, and mine is fine. I think all the throat/sinus stuff she saw was allergy related and nothing to do with whatever I actually have. Which I'm fairly convinced is this west nile b.s. I have like every single symptom. SUCKS!!! But at least its not contagious.

Astarte said...

Hmm... that sounds an awful lot like when my mom had menengitis a few years ago. (She got it as a result of an adverse reaction to some medication she was on, so it wasn't the bacterial kind, though.) I don't want to scare you, but you might want to ask the doctor about that, especially if you start having headaches. I'll be thinking of you!

Melanie D. said...

Get well soon! I hope the antibiotic just knocks it out and you're better by Sunday.

Shelly said...

Damn, poor girl! You just can't catch a break, can you? Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
And I did think it was hilarious that Addy told you it was YOUR turn at the doctor's. Kids, right?

Heather said...

I hope you feel better soon.